{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Forest Home Avenue School","outOfStateSupporters":43.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9595340,"projectId":10267610,"letterContent":"This project has brought a new kind of excitement and creativity into our music classroom. My students have been using the Cricut and materials to create our music club t shirts. One of my favorite moments was seeing their reactions when they first saw the machine and all the different materials. They were immediately curious and full of questions about what they could create. Students were especially excited to see their own ideas turn into something they could actually hold and use. We will now work on projects that connect creativity with the music concepts we are learning, giving students another way to express themselves and feel connected to our classroom. Our next steps are to continue creating materials for our music space and upcoming performances while encouraging students to design, make choices, and work together. These hands-on experiences are helping my students see that music is not only something we listen to or perform, but also something we can create, personalize, and share with others.","fullyFundedDate":1778062022818,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-music-magic/10267610/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Music Magic","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Andrea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9595340_orig.jpg?crop=1016,1016,x716,y358&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721159482933","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9595340"},{"teacherId":9595340,"projectId":9984005,"letterContent":"This project has brought so much excitement to our Music Club. My students have been using the new instruments to explore what it feels like to be part of a real band. They are learning how to play together, listen to one another, keep a steady rhythm, and work as a team.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments has been watching students pick up the instruments for the first time and immediately want to try them. Their faces light up when they hear the different sounds they can make. Some students were a little nervous at first, but after a few tries, they became excited to experiment and play along with their classmates. It has been wonderful to see students encourage each other and celebrate when they successfully play a part together.\r\n\r\nRight now, our next step is to continue practicing as a group and begin putting together short pieces for our tiny band. We are working on listening carefully, staying with the beat, and learning when to play and when to listen. As the students become more comfortable, I hope we can put together a small performance to share with our school community.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this experience so special is that my students are not just learning about music. They are learning how to communicate, cooperate, be patient, and believe in themselves. I love seeing their confidence grow each time they play together. I am so excited to see where our tiny band takes us next!","fullyFundedDate":1778621546368,"projectUrl":"project/building-an-elementary-school-band-inst/9984005/","projectTitle":"Building an Elementary School Band: Instruments for Our Music Club","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Andrea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9595340_orig.jpg?crop=1016,1016,x716,y358&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721159482933","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9595340"},{"teacherId":5384467,"projectId":10549739,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my school and allowing us to purchase a heat press. The heat press has been set up and is ready to go in helping make shirts each month for our students of the month. We are also going to be starting our after school student council where students will be able to help us make shirts.\r\n\r\nIn the future, we hope to add a sublimation printer to our t-shirt area in order to give students an opportunity to design, print, and use the heat press to make their very own shirts.\r\n\r\nThanks again for supporting us!","fullyFundedDate":1788436168810,"projectUrl":"project/heat-press-for-pbis/10549739/","projectTitle":"Heat Press for PBIS","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kelnhofer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5384467_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534795949789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5384467"},{"teacherId":9595340,"projectId":9956007,"letterContent":"These new music books and supplies have made such a wonderful difference in our Music Club. My students now have the materials they need to follow along, practice, and feel more confident as they learn to play their instruments.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, playing an instrument is a completely new experience. The music books are helping them learn important skills like reading music, recognizing rhythms, keeping a steady beat, counting measures, and following musical directions. Having the music right in front of them makes it easier for students to understand what they are playing and to practice on their own.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom looks a little different from a traditional reading lesson. Our students read music while they play. We look at the notes and rhythms together, practice counting, and then bring the music to life with our instruments. They are also learning how to listen to each other, follow along, and play as a group.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite things has been watching my beginning musicians become more comfortable and excited about playing. Students who were once a little nervous to try are now much more willing to pick up an instrument and give it a try. The music books give them something they can look at and follow, which helps them feel successful and proud of themselves.\r\n\r\nThe extra drumsticks have also been a big help. Our young percussionists use them often, and having extras means they do not have to wait for someone else to finish or stop practicing when a drumstick breaks. This gives them more time to practice their rhythms, build coordination, and enjoy making music.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these materials are helping my students feel supported and included. They are learning that music takes practice, patience, teamwork, and perseverance. They are also discovering that they can do things they may not have thought they could do. Seeing their smiles, excitement, and growing confidence as they make music together is one of the most rewarding parts of being their teacher.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for helping make these experiences possible for my students. Your support is giving them the opportunity to learn, create, and grow through music.","fullyFundedDate":1773857190837,"projectUrl":"project/essential-supplies-for-young-musicians/9956007/","projectTitle":"Essential Supplies for Young Musicians: Books, Drumsticks, and More","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Andrea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9595340_orig.jpg?crop=1016,1016,x716,y358&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721159482933","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9595340"},{"teacherId":5457068,"projectId":10264784,"letterContent":"Having a classroom printer made a meaningful difference in my Kindergarten students' learning. It allowed me to provide colorful, engaging, and age-appropriate visual materials that helped students better understand and remember new concepts. Colorful visuals, labels, picture cards, classroom signs, learning activities, and educational resources made lessons more interactive and accessible for young learners. These materials supported students' vocabulary, early literacy, math skills, communication, independence, and understanding of classroom routines. The visual resources also helped keep students engaged and excited about learning.\r\nBecause we now have access to a printer, I was able to create and print materials specifically based on my students' learning needs and interests. I could quickly prepare differentiated activities, visual schedules, alphabet and number resources, vocabulary cards, worksheets, center materials, and classroom displays. This allowed me to make my instruction more hands-on, organized, and engaging while supporting different learning styles and abilities.\r\nThe printer also allowed me to create materials throughout the school year instead of relying only on pre-made resources. T","fullyFundedDate":1778062028231,"projectUrl":"project/having-a-printer-our-colorful-visuals-h/10264784/","projectTitle":"Having a Printer! Our Colorful Visuals Help Us Learn Better!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Balseiro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5457068_orig.jpg?crop=452,452,x32,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638669912977","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/yahaira"},{"teacherId":5457068,"projectId":10208197,"letterContent":"A well-organized and welcoming classroom environment at the beginning of the school year has a positive impact on students' learning, behavior, and emotional development. Establishing clear routines, expectations, and designated learning areas helps students feel safe, comfortable, and confident in the classroom. When materials are accessible and the environment is organized, students are encouraged to become more independent, make choices, and take responsibility for their learning.\r\n\r\nFor preschool students, a thoughtfully arranged classroom also promotes exploration, creativity, communication, and collaboration. Clearly defined areas such as blocks, dramatic play, art, science, writing, and the library provide opportunities for children to develop different skills through hands-on experiences. Creating this environment from the beginning helps build a strong classroom community, reduces confusion and challenging behaviors, and allows more time for meaningful instruction and learning throughout the school year.","fullyFundedDate":1778062048500,"projectUrl":"project/everything-starts-at-the-beginning-of-th/10208197/","projectTitle":"Everything Starts at the Beginning of the School Year","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Balseiro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5457068_orig.jpg?crop=452,452,x32,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638669912977","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/yahaira"},{"teacherId":5457068,"projectId":10207172,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous support, we were able to close the school year with lots of fun, joy, and meaningful experiences for our students. The project provided opportunities for children to celebrate their accomplishments, enjoy interactive activities, and create positive memories with their classmates and teachers.\r\n\r\nThese activities helped strengthen friendships, encourage participation, and end the school year positively and joyfully. Most importantly, the students felt celebrated and appreciated for all their hard work throughout the year.","fullyFundedDate":1778062016212,"projectUrl":"project/we-closed-the-school-year-with-lots-of-f/10207172/","projectTitle":"We Closed the School Year with Lots of Fun.","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Balseiro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5457068_orig.jpg?crop=452,452,x32,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638669912977","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/yahaira"},{"teacherId":3956796,"projectId":9942333,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations. We held our annual Spelling Bee today and it was a great success. The students were so excited to participate and these incentives help to motivate more to participate.\r\n\r\nWe were able to reward the top 3 spellers from grades 3, 4, and 5 with medals. They were so excited and proud to wear their medals. The rest of the participants earned a ribbon, a bracelet, and a pencil. They again were very excited. \r\n\r\nStudent audience members expressed an interest in participating next year. The incentives play a huge part in this. We appreciate all you do to support our students and school. \r\n\r\nThank you!","fullyFundedDate":1767824895738,"projectUrl":"project/spelling-bee-extravaganza/9942333/","projectTitle":"Spelling Bee Extravaganza","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3956796_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1481773147262","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3956796"},{"teacherId":5457067,"projectId":10264899,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed into a dynamic and engaging learning environment where students are not just consuming information, but actively exploring, creating, and growing as independent learners. The technology and materials you helped provide have opened doors that many of my students had never experienced before—especially for those who do not have consistent access to these tools at home.\r\nIn early elementary classrooms, especially in a bilingual setting like mine, technology plays a powerful role in building foundational skills. With these new resources, students are able to practice reading, writing, and language development in interactive and meaningful ways. For example, digital programs allow them to hear sounds, see visuals, and engage with content at their own pace. This is especially important for my emergent bilingual students, who benefit greatly from multimodal learning experiences that combine audio, visuals, and hands-on interaction. As a result, students are developing stronger literacy skills and gaining confidence in both English and Spanish.\r\nOne of the most exciting aspects for my students has been the opportunity to use tools that make learning feel like discovery. They are thrilled to log in, explore activities, and take ownership of their progress. What once felt like a challenge—such as reading independently or practicing phonics—now feels like an adventure. The excitement in the classroom is visible every day: students eagerly ask to use the technology, celebrate their achievements, and encourage each other. This level of engagement has significantly increased participation, even among students who were previously hesitant or shy.\r\nI have seen particularly meaningful growth in students who struggle with attention or confidence. For instance, one student who often found it difficult to stay focused during traditional lessons now becomes deeply engaged when working with these tools. The interactive nature captures their attention and allows them to experience success in smaller, manageable steps. Another student, who is still developing English proficiency, benefits from the ability to replay instructions and hear language modeled clearly, helping them feel more confident when participating in class discussions.\r\nBeyond academics, these resources are helping students build essential 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, independence, and perseverance. They are learning how to navigate tools responsibly, collaborate with peers, and take pride in their learning. These are lifelong skills that will benefit them well beyond the classroom.\r\nYour generosity has made a lasting impact not only on my students' academic growth but also on their confidence, motivation, and love of learning. You have helped create opportunities for equity, ensuring that all students—regardless of background—have access to tools that support their success. On behalf of my students and our classroom community, thank you for believing in their potential and investing in their future.","fullyFundedDate":1778062011237,"projectUrl":"project/building-big-ideas-with-small-tools/10264899/","projectTitle":"Building Big Ideas with Small Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pagan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5457067_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y177&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626095024361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/zorypagan"},{"teacherId":5457067,"projectId":10214058,"letterContent":"From the bottom of our hearts—thank you! Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a more engaging, supportive, and joyful place where students are excited to learn every single day.\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the room immediately filled with excitement. My students' eyes lit up as they explored the new resources. Many of them couldn't wait to touch, organize, and begin using everything. It was a moment of pure joy—students felt seen, supported, and motivated knowing that someone outside of our classroom cared enough to invest in their learning.\r\nWe have already begun using these resources in meaningful ways. For example, during a recent lesson, students worked together using the new materials to practice collaborative skills, communication, and problem-solving. I saw students who are often quiet begin to participate more confidently, while others took on leadership roles and supported their peers. The materials helped make learning more interactive and accessible for all of my students, especially those who benefit from hands-on and visual support.\r\nYour donation has not only supported academic growth but has also strengthened our classroom community. Students are learning how to work together, express themselves, and build positive relationships—skills that will stay with them far beyond this school year.\r\nAs we continue, our next steps include expanding these activities into small group projects where students will apply what they've learned in deeper and more creative ways. We will also continue building structured routines using these materials to support social-emotional learning, independence, and confidence in both academic and social settings.\r\nBecause of you, my students are more engaged, more confident, and more excited about learning. You have truly made a lasting difference in their lives, and we are incredibly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1777995263080,"projectUrl":"project/handson-stem-for-my-bilingual-superstar/10214058/","projectTitle":"Hands‑On STEM for My Bilingual Superstars","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pagan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5457067_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y177&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626095024361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/zorypagan"},{"teacherId":5457067,"projectId":9935950,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. Thanks to your generosity, my students now have the materials they need to learn in an organized, welcoming, and engaging environment. These donations have had a positive impact on our daily routines and have helped create a space where students feel prepared, confident, and excited to learn.\r\nWe are truly grateful for your support and kindness. Thank you for making a meaningful difference in our classroom and in the lives of my students.\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nZory Pagán\r\nTeacher, Forest Home Avenue School","fullyFundedDate":1775080681313,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-create-a-space-to-thrive/9935950/","projectTitle":"Help Us Create a Space to Thrive","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pagan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5457067_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y177&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626095024361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/zorypagan"},{"teacherId":5457068,"projectId":9910273,"letterContent":"The use of sensory, manipulative, and relaxing materials has a significant positive impact on promoting social-emotional learning. This helps reduce stress and improve student concentration. Resources such as stress-relieving toys and models for students to build a farm, use the animals, and describe them help foster a safe and calm environment that supports mental health and improves academic engagement.\r\nThank you so much for the support and materials you have given my students this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1763990983819,"projectUrl":"project/ear-hands-and-relax/9910273/","projectTitle":"Ear, Hands and Relax!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Balseiro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5457068_orig.jpg?crop=452,452,x32,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638669912977","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/yahaira"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_37756","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":562,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":83,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":56.5,"schoolId":37756,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Forest Home Avenue School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Forest Home Avenue School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/wisconsin/milwaukee-public-schools/forest-home-ave-school/37756"}
Join the 666 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Forest Home Avenue School is
an urban public school
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that is part of Milwaukee Public Schools.
It serves 562 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.8:1.
Its teachers have had 301 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 5
562 Students
38 Teachers
1516 W Forest Home AveContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
94%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Forest Home Avenue School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Oct 17, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Forest Home Avenue School
$141,919
raised using DonorsChoose
301
projects
funded
43
teachers
funded
666
donors
45
projects
for
basic supplies
38
projects for
technology
33
projects for
books
17
projects
for
art supplies
Forest Home Avenue School has received support from
376 individuals from Wisconsin and
290 individuals out-of-state.